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BEST scenic drives in Britain: The freedom of jumping in the car cannot be bettered, and it is also one of the easiest ways to see all of the stunning scenery the UK has to offer.

Driving across the UK, whether for a few hours or over the course of the weekend, is one of the best ways to see the breathtaking scenery found on our shores. These are the five best scenic drives in the Britain, and the perfect car to do them in.

Hardknott Pass, Lake District

A stunning drive, this is one for confident drivers who want a challenge. Warning signs advise drivers entering Eskdale to the west and Wryness Pass to the east to exercise “extreme caution” on this “narrow route”.

Start at Little Lansdale and continue through winding Wrynose Pass. Climb via a network of hairpin bends and enjoy the stunning views on offer. The final descent is tricky, but worth it. Go in the height of summer to avoid rain and fog making conditions even tougher.

Car: Vauxhall Insignia Country Tourer. A Sporty top-of-the-range Insignia with rugged looks and premium qualities, All-wheel drive with torque vectoring and more ground clearance. From £25,635 on-the-road, in showrooms this month.

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This scenic tour will see you take in chocolate box English villages. Start in Chipping Campden and follow Park Road/Cotswold Way to Willersey, then on to Broadway for the pretty and well-preserved shop fronts. Follow signs to Broadway Tower and its awe-inspiring views over 16 counties, before heading to Snowshill Manor, then the A44 to Moreton-in-Marsh.

Take the A429 via Stow in the Wold, following signs to the “Slaughters”, home of the Chipping Norton set and Soho Farmhouse. From here, let the satnav guide you to discover the myriad of pretty villages.

Car: Vauxhall Cascada. 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, Multi-layered fabric hood ideal for UK winters or top-down cruising. With the top down, it has a perfectly clean profile with no roof-top cover or visible roll-over protection disturbing the car’s silhouette. From £27,115 on-the-road

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Best scenic drives UK: Turn these driving trips into a long weekend to really enjoy Britain

Top 25 British beaches

Porthminster is a gorgeous setting for a family holiday

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Barafundle Beach is a secluded paradise

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Hunstanton Beach, Norfolk

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Weymouth is a popular summer destination

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Find peace and tranquilty at Hengistbury Head

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Horses roam on the outskirts of Rhossili beach

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Filey Beach, North Yorkshire

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Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset

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Saunton Sands Beach, Braunton, Devon

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St Brelade's Bay Beach, Jersey

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Perranporth strides the Cornwall coast

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Fistral Beach, Newquay, Cornwall

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Luskentyre looks like a European getaway within the UK

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Woolacombe Beach came out top in Britain and fourth in Europe

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Gorleston is a hidden gem

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Nairn Beach, Nairn, Scottish Highlands

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Llangennith is one of the three Welsh beaches on the list

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Escape with Mwnt Beach, Cardigan, west Wales

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Durness is not the average idea of what the Scottish Highlands looks like

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Calgary Bay, Isle of Mull

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Bigbury-on-Sea Beach, Devon

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Godrevy Head, Hayle, Cornwall

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Shell Beach, Herm, Channel Islands

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Camusdarach Beach in the Scottish Highlands looks more like a Thai beach

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Kiloran Beach, Isle of Colonsay made up the last of the best of British beaches

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Sussex, Hampshire and Wiltshire

A 120mile ride that takes in coast, the hilly Downs and the plains of Wiltshire. Start at Bosham, heading north to Goodwood Motor Circuit picking up the A286 west. Then on he A272 via Petersfield on to cathedral city Winchester. Spend the night in the historic and pretty city before continuing on day two.

Follow the winding B3049 to Stockbridge, then the A3057 to the A3023 past Thruxton Motorsport Centre, followed by the A345 past Avebury. Finally, join the A4/A420/B4039, following signs for Castle Combe.

Car: Vauxhall ADAM. The perfect city car to get you around Winchester, this has over a million different specification and trim combinations. Personalisation begins with the selection of one of three trim levels – ADAM JAM (fashionable/colourful) – ADAM GLAM (elegant/sophisticated) and ADAM SLAM (racy/sporty).

A new-generation Park Assist that automatically parks the car, a Side Blind Spot Alert and a power steering system including a ‘light touch’ CITY mode. From £12,880 (ADAM JAM 1.2-litre 70PS) up to £15,750 (ADAM SLAM 1.4-litre 100PS).

Northern Ireland

A 130-mile route following the rugged edges of Northern Ireland's coast. Head north from Belfast, heading along the M2/A2 and the Causeway Coast Rout, past Carrickfergus Castle and Glenarm. Turn left after Garron Point, climbing sharply into Flenariff Forest Park. Take the B14 past Tievebulliagh mountain and into the picturesque towns of Cushendall and Cushendun, following signs to Torr Head.

Descend to Torr Head for views of Scotland before following signs to Ballycastle then along the A2 to Dunlace Castle, a ruin. It is then not too far for the main attraction - the Giant's Causeway.

Car: An incredible trip with the family, the Vauxhall Crossland X is perfect for this drive. With elevated seating position, spacious interior, it is practical and flexible. From £16,555 on-the-road.

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Best scenic drives Britain: Choose a larger car and take the family on a tour of the UK

Isle of Skye

One of the most beautiful drives in the world, the scenery here is mind-blowing. Take in the A87, A863 and A850. Make stops at Dunvegan Castle and the Talisker distillery for a true taste of the Highlands.

There are regular passing places on the single track roads, as well as points at which you can get out and take in the views - a smart decision by whoever built these roads.

Car: Nature this stunning makes you want to look after it - so choose an Eco car to do your bit. Vauxhall ecoTEC models is available on the Corsa, Crossland X, ADAM, Astra, Zafira Tourer, Insignia and Mokka X.